What Are AED's?

An AED is a portable Automated External Defibrillator used to restart someone’s heart in the event of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Each year sudden cardiac arrest kills 335,000 people of all ages and fitness levels without warning.  Ninety five percent of those who suffer from SCA die because CPR and defibrillation usually occur too late, if at all.

If the first person on the scene knew CPR and applied an Automated External Defibrillator within 5 minutes, the AHA estimates that at least 40,000 more lives per year could be saved.  Calling 911 and performing CPR are not enough.  Most victims need an electric shock called defibrillation to restore the heart to a regular rhythm.  By placing these devices in the hands of first responders and trained individuals in public locations we are increasing their chance of survival.

AED Benefits

• Reliability. The AED is Rescue Ready when needed.
• Simplicity. Almost anyone can use the AED.
• Reassuring. The AED knows when to (and when not to) deliver the shock so users don’t have to worry about “doing it right”.
• Comprehensive. The AED text screen is helpful in noisy and chaotic environments.